Otti Urges Investors Who Left Abia to Return and Explore New Opportunities

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged investors who previously relocated their businesses from the state to return and take advantage of emerging investment opportunities.

Otti made the appeal while commissioning the 55-room ORIS Signature Hotel on Okigwe Road, Aba.

The governor commended the hotel's Chief Executive Officer, Owelle Greg Okafor, for completing the project within two years and a few months, describing the investment as a significant addition to Aba's hospitality and business landscape.

Otti said the completion of the hotel demonstrated what could be achieved when private enterprise operates within a conducive business environment.

He recalled that Aba faced significant infrastructure and economic challenges when his administration assumed office, particularly poor road infrastructure and struggling industries.

According to the governor, the situation has gradually changed, with new investments emerging and businesses returning to the city.

He therefore called on investors who had previously relocated from Abia, as well as prospective investors, to reconsider the state and take advantage of the opportunities being created.

“What we have achieved so far is only the beginning,” Otti said, adding that further development projects would create additional opportunities for businesses and investors.

The governor also pointed to the expected completion of the Radisson Blu Enyimba Hotel as another development that would contribute to Aba's hospitality sector and wider economic activity.

Otti said his administration would continue to invest in infrastructure and create an environment that supports businesses and investment.

He specifically highlighted the importance of infrastructure improvements in Aba, including the rehabilitation of major roads, as part of efforts to improve connectivity and support economic activity.

At the hotel commissioning, Otti said investments such as the ORIS Signature Hotel could contribute to employment, economic activity and the state's internally generated revenue.

“This is going to add to the employment of Abia people, which is the number one priority for us,” the governor said.

Earlier, the General Manager of ORIS Signature Hotel, Sharon Mani, said the company was encouraged to invest in Aba by what it described as the improved business environment in the state.

The commissioning was attended by the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa; members of the legislature; state commissioners; the mayors of Aba North and Aba South; and other dignitaries.

Otti congratulated Okafor and the entire ORIS Signature Hotel team on the completion of the project, while expressing confidence that continued investment would support the development of Aba and the wider Abia State.